Creamy Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Creamy Steel-Cut Oatmeal (inspired by Cooks Illustrated)

3 cups water

1 cup whole milk (you can mix a bit of cream with your milk if you don't have whole on hand. I had nonfat, so I used half milk and half cream)

1 Tb unsalted butter

1 cup steel-cut oats

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp vanilla

Bring water and milk to simmer in large saucepan over medium heat. Meanwhile, heat butter in a skillet over medium heat until just beginning to foam; add oats and cook, stirring constantly, until golden and toasty, 2-3 minutes.

Stir toasted oats into the milk and water, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered and unstirred until oatmeal thickens to a gravy-ish texture, about 20 minutes. Gently stir in vanilla, salt and spices. Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, oatmeal is thick and creamy, about 10-15 more minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings!